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A long shuttle ride through amazing singletrack.


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Map Key

13.7

Miles

22.1

KM

70%

Singletrack

6,380' 1,944 m

High

5,021' 1,530 m

Low

1,300' 396 m

Up

1,782' 543 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Adventure Pass required for parking at South Fork.

Overview

This is a shuttle starting at South Fork Campground lot and ending just outside Angelus Oaks.

Long, flowing, xc-style singletracks with tight, hairpin turns and occasional easy climbs. Much of this ride hugs the hillside and has step drops to the right.

This trail finishes with a fire road climb that is not only manageable but quite pleasant.

Need to Know

Requires two cars for a shuttle. Shuttle points are about 20 minutes apart.

This can also be done as an out-and-back, but if you do that, I'd recommend starting at the bottom (Angelus Oaks) so you get the climbing out of the way first.

Angelus Oaks restaurant is a must have after your ride. Good beer and good food.

Description

First, drop a car at the parking area just east of Angelus Oaks next to the Angelus Oaks sign. Then drive east up Hwy 38 to the South Fork Campground and get ready for an awesome ride.

From here you combine two trails: Santa Ana River Trail (SART) from South Fork to Glass Road and Santa Ana River Trail (SART) 2E03 Glass Road to Middle Control Road.

These trails have tons of tree cover and wind in and out of the trees and along the hillside. Stop and enjoy the creeks, then bomb down the wide singletrack sections through the trees.

When you hit the bottom of the second section, turn left on Middle Control Road and climb three miles out to your car. This road is well-used by vehicles so be aware, otherwise, this climb is very mellow and the road is well maintained. If you are lucky you'll be treated with a small waterfall out of the rocks about two miles up.

Contacts

Shared By:

Bryce Knudson

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 34 votes

#459

Overall
  4.5 from 34 votes
5 Star
56%
4 Star
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3 Star
6%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#66

in California

#459

Overall
73 Views Last Month
26,488 Since Sep 23, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Grizzly 100 Pre-Ride Part 2: Santa Ana River Trail | Seven Oaks, California
Sep 18, 2021 near Big Bea…, CA
Tidy bridge crossing between switchbacks.
Oct 27, 2019 near Big Bea…, CA
A waterfall on the Santa Ana River Trail ride. Next to fire road near Angelus Oaks.
Jan 15, 2017 near Big Bea…, CA
Nice view before diving back into the forest.
Oct 27, 2019 near Big Bea…, CA
beautiful bliss - andy meadors
Apr 3, 2013 near Big Bea…, CA
Some of the trail has a fair amount of exposure.
Sep 5, 2016 near Big Bea…, CA
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